Professor Rajesh Dhakal, president of the New Zealand Nepalese Friendship Society, Mark Inglis, City Councillors, members of the Nepalese community, and Christchurch residents.

Thank you for coming out tonight to stand with the people of Nepal.

This is an opportunity to show our love and support for the Nepalese community, and to stand side-by-side in solidarity with our local Nepalese residents.

We know first hand the devastation and horror they are experiencing in these overwhelming early days of disaster.

We also know how we were sustained by the outpouring of help and support we received from around the world after the February 2011 earthquake changed our city forever.

So tonight our thoughts are with the people of Nepal, and the aid and rescue agencies who are working tirelessly to help.

Our hearts go out to them - from Christchurch to Kathmandu - we offer our love and support.

We also recognise the unique relationship New Zealand has with Nepal, established by the late Sir Edmund Hillary.

Many New Zealanders have visited this special country and feel a close link to both the people and the country.

We want the people of Nepal to know we are with them as their country begins its long journey to recovery.

We understand what you are going through, and our hearts go out to you.

I remember during our own earthquake experience, a pastor in one of the churches in New Brighton said that those of us on the ground helping our communities get through the difficult days we experienced were the privileged ones.

People all around the country and the world wanted to help, but didn't know what to do. We had the privilege to help.

And now we are the people who just want to do something to help Nepal.We also know from our experience that getting money to the agencies that are there on the ground is the best thing we can do.

We can support Nepal by giving generously. Every little bit helps. When the Sichuan delegation was here last week they specifically referred to the Christchurch children they had heard fundraised by playing their violins in the street after the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008.

These are the kinds of messages we received as a city and they mean so much.

But fundraising is a secondary purpose tonight. There will be plenty of time for that.